📰 Australian state rolls out machete ‘disposal bins’ ahead of ban
The state of Victoria in Australia is implementing a ban on machetes to combat knife crime, with citizens urged to surrender the weapons at disposal bins before the ban takes effect on Sept. 1. The government has set up over 40 disposal bins at police stations across the state for safe weapon disposal during a “Machete Amnesty” period from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30. Those found owning, carrying, using, buying, or selling machetes without approval will face criminal charges, with penalties including imprisonment or hefty fines. Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan emphasized the importance of removing these dangerous weapons from the streets to protect citizens, with police seizing a high number of illegal knives daily. Exemptions for possessing machetes are granted to certain individuals like agricultural workers or for traditional, historical, or cultural purposes, subject to strict conditions and police verification.
📰 How Trump could ‘un-unite’ the Xi-Putin alliance
President Donald Trump aims to disrupt the alliance between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, potentially triggering a modern Sino-Soviet split. Fred Fleitz suggests pressuring China to stop buying Russian oil or face tariffs as a strategy to weaken the alliance. However, Chinese officials have reaffirmed their support for Russia, fearing that a Russian loss in Ukraine could shift Western focus towards China. Fleitz argues that Russia and China have underlying tensions, with China even hinting at reclaiming Russian territories in the Far East. The theory of a “reverse Kissinger” strategy, where cozying up to Putin could break his alliance with Xi, is discussed, but Fleitz emphasizes that it will take time to implement. Russia reportedly views China as a strategic partner against the West, but there are concerns about China’s long-term intentions and espionage activities targeting Russia. Fleitz suggests that Russia needs to recognize China as a potential threat and seek a deal with Trump to secure its interests.
📰 Christian-Jewish organization delivers emergency aid to persecuted Syrian minorities under threat
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews responded swiftly in July to aid persecuted Syrian Druze and Christians facing attacks by jihadist forces in southern Syria, resulting in the deaths of over 1,400 people, including an American visitor. The organization, led by Yael Eckstein, provided urgent medical supplies and equipment to the besieged city of Sweida in coordination with the Israel Defense Forces. The attacks were carried out by Syrian Islamists loyal to President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, targeting both Druze and Christians, including the murder of a pastor and his family members. Israel intervened with military strikes to prevent further bloodshed and destruction in Sweida. The Fellowship’s Emergency Response Center, led by Safwan Marich, highlighted the religious nature of the conflict and emphasized the importance of aiding the Druze community in Syria.
📰 France to deport Palestinian woman over antisemitic post featuring Hitler, halts Gaza evacuations
France has decided to halt evacuations of Gazans amid outrage over a Palestinian student allegedly sharing antisemitic content. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that the woman in question “must leave the country” and that there will be no evacuations until further investigation is conducted. The student, expelled from Sciences Po Lille, is accused of sharing a post glorifying killing Jews. French officials, including Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, condemned the incident and emphasized that such views have no place in France. French President Emmanuel Macron is planning to recognize a ‘State of Palestine’ in September at the UN General Assembly, a move that has drawn criticism from the U.S. and Israel.
Sciences Po Lille administration condemned the student’s posts, stating they contradict the institution’s values. French Minister of Higher Education Philippe Baptiste emphasized that France will not host students who promote terrorism, crimes against humanity, or antisemitism. Macron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state in September was discussed at a UN conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, where nations signed the “New York Declaration” calling for Hamas disarmament and Israeli forces’ withdrawal from Gaza. The U.S. rejected the conference, calling it unproductive and ill-timed, with State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce labeling it a publicity stunt. Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon also objected to the conference, emphasizing the need to combat terrorism and extremist forces.
📰 Stunning photos capture moment one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes erupts
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, erupted for the second consecutive day, sending a column of smoke and volcanic material 11 miles into the sky. The eruption, which occurred early Saturday morning, covered nearby villages with debris, although no casualties were reported. This eruption was among the largest in Indonesia since the 2010 eruption of Mount Merapi, the country’s most volatile volcano. Just hours before the Saturday eruption, another eruption on Friday sent smoke and ash 6.2 miles high, illuminating the sky with glowing lava and lightning. Indonesia’s Geology Agency observed searing gas clouds mixed with rocks and lava traveling up to 3 miles down the mountain slopes, with deep magma movement triggering tremors detected on seismic monitors.
The volcanic material, including hot gravel, was thrown up to 5 miles from the crater, covering nearby areas with thick volcanic residue. Residents were warned to be cautious of heavy rainfall that could lead to lava flows in rivers originating from the volcano. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has been on the highest alert level since its eruption in June, prompting an expansion of the exclusion zone to a 4.3-mile radius due to increased eruption frequency. This recent eruption follows a major event on July 7 that disrupted flights at Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport, highlighting Indonesia’s status as home to 120 active volcanoes and 280 million people. The country is situated along the “Ring of Fire,” a region of seismic fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin.
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